The Tale of the Cigar by Hans Christian Andersen

The Tale of the Cigar was composed by Poul Udbye Pock-Steen as a musical framework for an untitled text included in an 1862 travelogue by the Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen. A traditional Cuban song is also incorporated to underpin the declamation of the text. The piece is featured in the performative concert https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2yw-7DjzBglrt_NT-DzKLfaVv-US6lm4 and is also part of the series Music for the Heart and Intellect. The Tale of the Cigar was performed live by the Danish ensemble Via Artis Konsort at the HC Andersen Festivals in Odense, Denmark, in August 2024. Via Artis Konsort: https://musica.nu Ballhaus: https://ballhaus.dk Background: In 1862, during his journey through Spain, the Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen seizes the chance to visit the city of Tangier in Morocco, a mere 40 kilometers as the crow flies from the southernmost point of Spain. A visit to Africa, as he calls it. Hans Christian Andersen is staying with the British ambassador